BLYTHE, Calif – On Thursday, January 12 the Blythe Police Department received numerous 911 calls at about 3:52 p.m. regarding a structure fire at 120 W. Rice St. The structure was a vacant duplex style apartment.

The Blythe Police Department and Blythe Fire Department responded and found the interior of the duplex fully engulfed in flames and smoking heavily. The fire was extinguished and the duplex was searched for evidence.

At this time the cause of the fire is unknown. Information gathered at the scene leads investigators to believe that the fire may have been started by local transients staying in the vacant building and trying to keep warm with an open flame of some kind.

Persons charged with a crime are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Anyone with information regarding this case, or any other crime, is urged to contact Blythe Police Department at 922-6111, or they can give their information anonymously by calling Crime Stop at 921-CARE (2273) or by E-Mail.